Program Descriptions

Introduction

W.J. Griffis Children's Centre is a high quality setting that provides opportunities for children to:

• play with other children
• manipulate objects and materials
• discover what works
• make mistakes
• imagine and create

Play is an important avenue for learning, so we ensure ample opportunity for a variety of play experiences.

Each playroom environment is planned to support the developmental needs of the children through the equipment and materials supplied and the planning of space and time.

Toddler Program (ages 18 months to 2 1/2 years)

The toddler Program consists of one staff for every five toddlers, for a maximum group size of ten toddlers.

The toddlers receive a lot of attention and individual care from their teachers, such as help dressing, eating and using the toilet. There is always someone there to turn to for encouragement or comfort.

In the Toddler Program routines are an important part of the curriculum. The teachers assist children with eating while allowing them to work at self-feeding. Changing diapers and dressing are frequent experiences during the day. The teachers use this time to encourage self-help skills while introducing new language to the toddler.

We provide a broad array of stimulating experiences for the child but the building of relationships with people are emphasized as an essential contribution to the quality of the toddler's experiences.

Preschool Program (ages 2 1/2 to 5 years)

The Preschool Program consists of one staff for every eight toddlers, for a maximum group size of sixteen children.

Young children can learn by doing. The Preschool Program provides an environment that fosters optimal growth and development through opportunities for exploration and learning. These opportunities include the use of blocks, dramatic play, art, books, science, puzzles, quiet play, music, sensory play, physical activities, construction, woodworking and gardening.

Large blocks of time are planed so children have the freedom to learn to make choices. The teachers assist children to work through problems and challenge thinking by scaffolding their learning.

Kindergarten Program (ages 4 to 6 years)

The Kindergarten Program consists of one staff for every eight kindergarteners, for a maximum group size of sixteen children.

This program is set up to enhance or complement the child's kindergarten experience. The teachers are more like guides or facilitators. They prepare the environment so that it provides stimulating, challenging materials and activities. The teachers closely observe to see what the children understand and pose additional challenges to push their thinking further.

Children are provided many opportunities to see how reading, writing and pre-math skills are useful before they move on to more academic-based learning.

Wee Wonders Playgroup

This is a program for families and caregivers to attend with children from birth to five years. The playgroup runs in two-hour sessions at scheduled times four times a week

This program provides time for caring and sharing. Children are provided with opportunities to socialize and take part in special activities.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to use the toy lending library; newsletters are available and special outings and events are planned on a regular basis.

Rainbow Fun Activity Program

What is Rainbow Fun?

• a ready-made, adult-led, physical activity program for children three years of age and older
• gives children a complete physical workout in just 20 minutes
• includes many activities so that a varied program can be introduced everyday

Rainbow Fun is easy to use:

• requires no program planning
• comes in a rainbow coloured binder - folds into a stand-up easel for viewing
• requires no equipment - can be used indoors or outdoors
• easy to follow - activities are explained clearly and are demonstrated through photographs

How does Rainbow Fun work?

Rainbow Fun has 6 sections. One for each colour of the rainbow. Together they provide a complete physical activity workout.

• red -warm-up and stretch
• orange -heart and lung workout
• yellow -muscle strength
• green -balance and coordination
• blue -cool down
• purple -stretching and relaxation

Kindermusik Series

Kindermusik is a music curriculum designed for children 18 months to 5 years. This program is based on the Kindermusik philosophy and encourages the development of the whole child through music. The program is presented every Monday for 1/2 hour, each session. Educators are actively involved in each class. There is no extra charge to parents for this program.